Building bridges: humanising refugee support
The BIP Building Bridges, Humanising Refugee Support brings students from different countries together to explore more humane and inclusive refugee support.
Through two online meetings and an on-campus week, students compare approaches in their home countries and explore how cultural, political and social differences shape refugees’ experiences. They meet organisations and people with lived experience of seeking refuge, challenge stereotypes and discover what inclusion means in everyday life. In international teams, students develop and present ideas to strengthen connections between refugees and society, reflecting on what they have learned.
Teaching and learning
- Compare approaches in different countries.
- Meet organisations and people with lived experience of seeking refuge.
- Work in an international team to develop and present a practical idea for better support.
- Collaboration, participation and reflection are central to the learning process.
For whom?
This programme is for Social Work students interested in refugee support, diversity and inclusion. They’ll work with students from other countries and explore different cultural perspectives.
Programme overview
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Programme at a glance
Online sessions
During two online meetings, students share their findings and explore the meaning of humanisation, diversity and inclusion. They learn how cultural, political and social differences influence the experiences of refugees and discuss how social workers can help build bridges between refugees and society.
On campus week
During the live week, international students come together to explore how we can create more humane, inclusive and connected refugee support.
The week starts with connecting and sharing perspectives. Students present their findings about refugee support in their own countries and explore similarities and differences in policies, practices and experiences.
Learn from personal stories and professional practice
A central part of the week is meeting organisations and people with lived experience of seeking refuge. Through conversations, visits and personal stories, students move beyond statistics and policies and gain insight into the human experience of seeking safety, belonging and participation.
Build bridges together
Students then work in international groups to explore challenges related to diversity, inclusion and participation. They identify where bridges between refugees and society are strong and where bridges are missing or need to be strengthened.
Take time to explore and connect
The week includes a free day for students to relax, explore the local environment and connect informally.
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Learning outcomes
By the end of the programme, students will be able to:
- Compare approaches to refugee support
Explore similarities and differences in policies, practices and social contexts across countries. - Understand diversity and inclusion
Explain how they shape refugees’ experiences and opportunities. Recognise barriers to participation and belonging. - Develop intercultural awareness
Reflect on their own assumptions, values and perspectives. Show openness to different cultural and social perspectives. - Develop and present a practical idea
Work in an international team on an idea or intervention that makes refugee support more humane and inclusive. - Reflect on learning and collaboration
Consider what they have learned from fellow students, professionals and people with lived experience. Reflect on their contribution to the group and how social workers can help build a more inclusive society.
Learning centres on both the final presentation and students’ participation, collaboration and contribution throughout the programme.
- Compare approaches to refugee support
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When
Spring
Credits
3 ECTS credits
Assessment
Assessment covers both the final presentation and contribution to the international learning process. Students are expected to:
- Participate actively and collaborate with group
- Share knowledge and perspectives
- Help develop and present the final product
Contact
Rabia Madarun
r.madarun@windesheim.nl(opens in new tab)
Partner universities
- Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal
- Artevelde University College Ghent, Belgium
- Turku University of Applied Sciences, Turkun, Finland
- University of Ohio, America